New reports that Britney Spears has split from husband Kevin Federline have not been denied by the singer's publicist.

British newspaper The Daily Mirror claims the couple's relationship has grown so strained that Spears has banished Federline to live in the basement of their California mansion.

She reportedly returned from New York this week to find the aspiring rapper drinking and smoking cannabis in the house.

Sources tell the newspaper Spears had hoped to save the marriage for the sake of their son Sean Preston and their unborn second child - due in October - but has eventually lost patience.

A friend says, "She wanted to wait but their relationship has become so hostile she just doesn't see how she can make it work."

When quizzed, a spokesman for the star refused to deny the claims.